Joybuy Insights

Buying baby milk: How parents can find the right infant formula

Anyone looking to buy baby milk can quickly be faced with a bewildering range of terms: Pre milk, first infant milk from birth, HA formula, follow-on milk, organic baby milk and growing-up milk. There are also well-known brands such as Aptamil, HiPP, Bebivita, Milupa and Nestlé BEBA. However, your choice should not depend solely on the brand name or eye-catching advertising claims.

The key factors are your child’s age, the intended use, the ingredients list and correct preparation. If you are unsure, suspect an allergy or have specific dietary requirements, you should consult your paediatrician or midwife.

Common pitfalls when buying baby milk

1. Age stages are confused

Pre milk and other first infant formulas are intended for babies from birth. Follow-on milk 2 is offered from the sixth or seventh month, depending on the product, while follow-on milk 3 is generally intended from the tenth or twelfth month. Growing-up milk is usually aimed at children from one or two years of age.

A higher number therefore does not automatically mean that a product is more suitable. It initially describes the intended age stage and composition.

2. Added ingredients are confused with claims about benefits

Terms such as GOS, FOS, HMO, LCP, DHA, lactic acid cultures or Metafolin may stand out on the packaging. They should be assessed by referring to the ingredients list and nutritional information. The presence of a vitamin or fatty acid is not a general claim about its effects and does not replace individual advice.

HA formula is not automatically suitable for every baby either. Hydrolysed milk protein means that the protein has been partially broken down. Products such as HiPP PRE HA Combiotik and Bebivita Starter Milk Pre HA contain milk according to the product information and are expressly not intended for babies with an existing or suspected cow’s milk protein allergy.

3. Pack size and usage period are underestimated

A large tin may initially seem more economical. However, once opened, the powder must generally be used within around three or four weeks, depending on the product. A smaller pack may be more practical if you are feeding your baby alongside breastfeeding. For exclusive bottle feeding, on the other hand, a larger pack may mean fewer repeat purchases.

These buying criteria are crucial

Age guidance and product type

Before buying, check at least the following points:

  • Pre milk or first infant milk from birth: for feeding from birth, either as the sole source of nutrition or alongside breastfeeding, where specified in the product information.
  • Powdered milk for babies at stage 1: also intended for early infancy; the specific age guidance is decisive.
  • Follow-on milk: for use from the stated month of age and as part of a mixed diet.
  • Growing-up milk: for toddlers from the age stated on the packaging and not as infant formula.

The information on the original packaging takes precedence over general online descriptions. This also applies to Aptamil Pronutra PRE, Milupa Milumil 1, HiPP PRE and Bebivita PRE.

Carbohydrate source and consistency

For Pre milk, lactose is often listed as the only carbohydrate source. According to the product information available, Bebivita PRE, Bebivita Starter Milk Pre HA and HiPP PRE HA Combiotik contain no added starch. Other products, such as HiPP Bio Combiotik 2 and Bebivita Follow-on Milk 3, contain starch.

This affects the composition and, in some cases, the consistency. If you have questions about how filling a product is or how well it is tolerated, discuss whether a formula with or without starch is suitable for your individual circumstances with a healthcare professional.

Hygiene, dosage and allergens

Baby formula must be prepared fresh immediately before feeding. Typical instructions for the products mentioned are:

  1. Boil fresh drinking water and allow it to cool to approximately 40 to 50°C.
  2. First pour the stated amount of water into the cleaned or sterilised bottle.
  3. Use the enclosed measuring spoon exactly as shown in the dosage table.
  4. Add the powder, seal the bottle and shake thoroughly.
  5. Allow it to cool to drinking temperature and check it before feeding.
  6. Do not keep or reuse leftovers.

Depending on the recipe, the products contain milk, fish oil and, in some cases, soya. If your baby has known allergies, check the ingredients and warnings carefully.

Our selection for different types of buyer

Suitable for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
Bebivita PRE First Milk from Birth 500g

Bebivita PRE First Milk from Birth 500g

Why this product suits this profile: A manageable 500g pack for parents looking for Pre milk from birth who do not initially need a large supply.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information lists lactose as the only carbohydrate source. This makes the formula easier to assess before purchase than products containing added starch.

Key benefit & strengths

Suitable from birth; DHA is listed; the measuring spoon and dosage table support consistent preparation.

Suitable for: Buyers with high quality expectations
Hipp PRE HA Combiotik From Birth 600g

Hipp PRE HA Combiotik (From Birth) 600g

Why this product suits this profile: For parents who want a first infant milk from birth with a clearly documented ingredients list and organic certification.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product description lists hydrolysed whey protein, lactose as the sole carbohydrate source and no added starch.

Key benefit & strengths

600g pack; according to the product information, it contains GOS, LCPs and a natural lactic acid culture.

Suitable for: Special uses & frequent users
Hipp Bio Combiotik 2 Follow-On Milk From 6 Months 600g

Hipp Bio Combiotik 2 Follow-On Milk From 6 Months 600g

Why this product suits this profile: Follow-on milk for babies from six months, once weaning has begun and a suitable stage of formula is needed.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The six-month age stage is clearly stated, avoiding a common mix-up with Pre milk or first infant milk from birth.

Key benefit & strengths

Organic certification DE-ÖKO-001; according to the product description, with L. fermentum, GOS, DHA and added starch.

Suitable for: Families with a toddler
Nestlé BEBA Junior 1+ Children's Milk from 12 Months 800g

Nestlé BEBA Junior 1+ Children's Milk from 12 Months 800g

Why this product suits this profile: For families looking for a larger pack of milk specifically labelled as growing-up milk after their child’s first birthday.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The from-twelve-months labelling prevents this drinking milk from being confused with infant formula for the first months of life.

Key benefit & strengths

800g tin; according to the product information, with 2’-FL HMO, calcium, iron and vitamins A, C and D.

Looking for more options?

We have compiled a complete, regularly updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations applicable in the EU.

Practical checklist before buying

  • Is the age stage right for your child?
  • Will the formula be used on its own, alongside breastfeeding or as part of a mixed diet?
  • Does it contain milk, fish or soya allergens?
  • Does the recipe contain lactose, starch, GOS, FOS or other clearly specified ingredients?
  • How large is the pack, and how long can it be used after opening?
  • Do the dosage table and preparation instructions fit your bottles and routine?
  • Is the original packaging undamaged, and is the best-before date sufficiently far away?

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about “buying baby milk”

Which baby milk is suitable from birth?

From birth, consider products explicitly labelled as Pre milk or first infant milk from birth. These include, for example, Bebivita PRE, Aptamil Pronutra PRE, Milupa Milumil 1 and various HiPP products. Your specific choice should be based on the information on the packaging and, in special circumstances, the recommendation of your paediatrician.

How long does prepared baby milk last?

The products mentioned should be prepared fresh and fed immediately. Leftover formula should not be reused. Depending on the product, opened powder often needs to be used within three to four weeks. The instructions on the relevant packaging always take precedence.

How much does baby milk cost over time?

Ongoing costs depend on the pack size, dosage, number of bottles and product stage. For a meaningful comparison, consider not only the pack price but also the price per 100g and the recommended amount of powder per bottle. With follow-on milk and growing-up milk, consumption also changes as other foods are introduced.